Stabilizer bar lateral retainer collar

ABSTRACT

An anti-shift collar prevents lateral movement of a stabilizer bar assembly. The anti-shift collar is mounted to a fully formed stabilizer bar and then crimped to a central segment of the stabilizer bar at the desired position and is locked to the central segment thereby.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle stabilizer bar, and more particularly to a lateral retainer collar therefor.

Vehicles are commonly equipped with independent suspension systems for absorbing road shock and other vibrations while providing a smooth and comfortable ride for the vehicle occupants. In suspension systems of this type, a stabilizer bar is often used to increase the roll rigidity and improve the steering stability of the vehicle.

Typically, the stabilizer bar is a rod-shaped member oriented to extend laterally across the vehicle and an arm segment extending longitudinally at each end of the central segment. The central segment of the stabilizer bar is supported for rotation about its own longitudinal axis by one or more mounting brackets which are fixed to the vehicle body or frame. The distal end of each arm segment is coupled to a control arm of the suspension system by an end link.

When the vehicle is subjected to a lateral rolling force such as, for example, while the vehicle negotiates a turn, the arm segments pivot in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central segment. As a result, torsional reaction forces are generated which act through the arm segments to urge the control arms to move toward their normal position. Thus, the vehicle body will be prevented from excessive rolling or leaning to either side by the torsional resistance produced by the stabilizer bar.

The stabilizer bar may shift laterally during suspension articulation. The lateral shift is resisted by a multiple of collars mounted to the central segment of the stabilizer bar. The collars facially engage bushings mounting to the vehicle body or frame to minimize lateral shift of the stabilizer bar.

The collars are mounted to the stabilizer bar after final shot peening and bending operations are performed to avoid reducing the stabilizer bar integrity. Due to the collar mounting locations and forming requirements, conventional collars are overmolded plastic components. Although effective, overmolded collars may be subject to relatively rapid wear while metallic collars have heretofore been complicated to mount.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an inexpensive collar, which is uncomplicated to mount, yet resists side forces from the stabilizer bar for a prolonged service life without appreciable wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The anti-shift collar according to the present invention prevents lateral movement of a stabilizer bar assembly. The anti-shift collar has an internal profile that allows it to be mounted onto the bar over previously formed end. This end is typically a forged spade end and the internal profit of the collar reflects this form. The anti-shift collar is crimped to the central segment of the stabilizer bar and is locked to the central segment thereby.

The present invention therefore provide an inexpensive collar which is uncomplicated to mount yet resists side forces from the stabilizer bar for a prolonged service life without appreciable wear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a general partial phantom view of a vehicle illustrating a suspension system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stabilizer bar having an ant-shift collar according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an ant-shift collar prior to crimping;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ant-shift collar prior to crimping; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an ant-shift collar after crimping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a general perspective view of an independent front wheel suspension system 10. It should be understood that although a particular suspension is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, any suspension which utilizes a stabilizer bar will also benefit from the present invention.

A vehicle frame 12 includes a pair of longitudinal side rails 14 and a crossbeam 16. Suspension system 10 includes a long lower control arm 18 and a short upper control arm 20 which are both pivotally attached to frame 12. A strut assembly having a helical coil spring 22 and a strut damper 24 is retained between an intermediate portion of lower control arm 18 and frame 12 to support the weight of the vehicle body and any loads which are transmitted through lower control arm 18. Upper control arm 20 is connected to lower control arm 18 by a steering knuckle 26. A hub and rotor assembly 28 is rotatably attached to a spindle portion 22 of steering knuckle 26 such that a wheel and tire (not shown) may be mounted thereon.

A stabilizer bar assembly 30 includes an elongated central segment 32 which extends laterally across the vehicle and a pair of arm segments 34 which extend longitudinally along the vehicle at each end of central segment 32. Central segment 32 is rotatably attached to frame rails 14 through a pair of mounting brackets 36. An anti-shift collar 38 is crimped to the central segment 32 (also illustrated in FIG. 2) adjacent the mounting brackets 36 to minimize lateral shift of the stabilizer bar 30. Preferably, the anti-shift collar 38 is manufactured of a metallic material such as SAE BS970EN3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the anti-shift collar 38 is illustrated prior to crimping. It should be understood that the anti-shift collar 38 may be crimped at any desired location. The anti-shift collar 38 includes a generally elliptical outer perimeter 40. The smaller radius ends 46 adjacent the clipped ends 46 of the elliptical outer perimeter 40 are preferably clipped. That is, the clipped ends 46 are linear and break the elliptical outer perimeter 40.

An inner perimeter 42 includes a circular portion 44 and a polygonal portion 48 adjacent each of the clipped ends 46 of the elliptical outer perimeter 40 (also illustrated in FIG. 4). The circular portion 44 is preferably large enough to be received over a finished and shot peened arm segment 34, the elongated central segment 32 and the bends therebetween (FIG. 1). In addition, any formed ends such as forged eyes must also be passed therethrough. That is, the polygonal portions 48 allow the anti-shift collar 38 to be slid to a desired position over the formed ends then crimped into place.

Referring to FIG. 5, the anti-shift collar 38 is illustrated after a crimping operation is performed such that the anti-shift collar 38 is locked to the central segment 32 thereby. A crimp (illustrated schematically by arrow C) is preferably made upon the elliptical outer perimeter 40 adjacent each polygonal portion 46. That is, the clipped ends 46 are crimped to form pinched areas 50 to lock the anti-shift collar 38 to the central segment 32 of the stabilizer bar assembly 30. The configuration of the elliptical outer perimeter 40 and the clipped ends 46 advantageously simplifies crimping to two opposed locations. In addition to allowing passage over formed stabilizer ends, the pinched areas 50 take-up the clearance between the circular portion 44 prior to crimping and the central segment 32. A rigid and relatively uncomplicated mounted is thereby provided.

The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. 

1. A stabilizer bar assembly comprising: a stabilizer bar; and an anti-shift collar crimped to said stabilizer bar, said anti-shift collar comprising an elliptical outer perimeter crimped at opposed locations to form opposed pinched area which retain the anti-shift collar to said stabilizer bar.
 2. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said elliptical outer perimeter comprises a clipped end.
 3. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said anti-shift collar comprises a semi-circular inner perimeter.
 4. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein prior to being crimped, said anti-shift collar comprises a semi-circular inner perimeter portion with a first and a second polygonal inner perimeter portion.
 5. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein said pinched areas are formed in said first and said second polygonal inner perimeter portions.
 6. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein said anti-shift collar is crimped in four places to form said opposed pinched areas.
 7. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said anti-shift collar comprises a metallic material.
 8. A method of mounting an anti-shift collar to a stabilizer bar comprising the steps of: (1) sliding the anti-shift collar over the fully formed stabilizer bar to a desired location; and (2) crimping the anti-shift collar at opposed locations to form opposed pinched areas which retain the anti-shift collar at the desired location.
 9. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said step (2) further comprises crimping the anti-shift collar on an outer perimeter adjacent a first and a second polygonal inner perimeter portion.
 10. (canceled)
 11. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said step (2) further comprises crimping the anti-shift collar on an outer perimeter adjacent a clipped end to form the clipped end into a pinched area which reduces a clearance between a semi-circular inner perimeter portion of the anti-shift collar and the stabilizer bar.
 12. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said anti-shift collar defines a generally annular member portion after being crimped to said stabilizer bar.
 13. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said pinched areas extend outward from said stabilizer bar.
 14. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said pinched areas extend outward generally along an axis transverse to said stabilizer bar.
 15. The stabilizer bar assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said anti-shift collar defines a generally planar member prior and after being crimped to said stabilizer bar.
 16. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein said step (2) further comprises crimping an outer perimeter of the anti-shift collar into a pinched area which extends outward generally along an axis transverse to said stabilizer bar.
 17. A method as recited in claim 8, further comprising the step of: sliding the anti-shift collar onto an end of the fully formed stabilizer bar prior to said step (1).
 18. A stabilizer bar assembly comprising: a stabilizer bar; and an anti-shift collar having a semi-circular inner perimeter received around the stabilizer bar, said anti-shift collar having opposed pinched areas which retain the anti-shift collar to said stabilizer bar.
 19. The retainer as recited in claim 18, wherein said anti-shift collar defines a generally planar member prior and after being crimped to a stabilizer bar.
 20. The stabilizer bar assembly in claim 18, wherein said pinched areas are formed in part from an elliptical outer perimeter adjacent a clipped end of said anti-shift collar, said elliptical outer perimeter crimped toward a polygonal inner perimeter portion adjacent said semi-circular inner perimeter.
 21. The retainer as recited in claim 18, wherein said pinched areas are formed in part from a polygonal portion adjacent said semi-circular inner perimeter.
 22. The retainer as recited in claim 18, wherein said pinched areas extend outward generally along an axis transverse to said stabilizer bar. 